Iron Composition, Crystallization, Structure and Occurrence

Native iron, with always some nickel and usually small amounts of cobalt and frequently traces of copper, manganese, sulfur, carbon, phosphorus, etc. Isometric. Practically always massive. H. = 4-5. G. = 7.3-7.8. Malleable. Metallic luster. Color steel-gray to black. Strongly magnetic. Occurs very sparingly as terrestrial iron, and in the form of meteorites. Found, included in basalt, on the west coast of Greenland, varying in size from small disseminated grains to large masses. Has been noted in a few other localities with a similar association. Nickel – iron alloys have been found in the gold sands of New Zealand (awaruite), form Josephine Country, Oregon (souesite). Most meteorites contain native iron. The metal sometimes forms practically the entire body of the meteorite, while at other times it forms a cellular mass, inclosing grains of chrysolite, etc. IN the stony meteorites, iron is found disseminated through them in the shape of small grains. Meteorites are to be recognized usually by their fused and pitted exterior. At first whey are coated with a film of iron oxide, which disappears, however, on continued exposure to the weather.

Iridium, Iridosmine, an alloy of iridium and osmium, and Palladium are rare metals in the Platinum-Iron Group.